The Coast Guard today announced that it is seeking comments by Monday, March 16 on its draft Massachusetts-Rhode Island Port Access Route Study. The Coast Guard previously noted that the study is needed given recent wind energy leasing activity in federal waters in the region and the potential for 7 wind farms to be constructed in the area.
The draft study recommends that the Massachusetts-Rhode Island Wind Energy Area’s turbine layout be developed along a standard and uniform grid pattern with at least three lines of orientation and standard spacing to accommodate vessel transits, traditional fishing operations, and search and rescue
Operations through the Wind Energy Area. If such a uniform grid pattern is adopted and approved by Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, the draft document notes that the Coast Guard will not pursue vessel routing measures through the Wind Energy Area at this time.
The draft study further recommends that mariners seeking to transit the area should use extra caution, ensure proper watch, and assess risk prior to entering the Wind Energy Area.
